Canada Issues 1,350 ITAs in First CEC Draw of 2025 – Are You Next?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of the year through the Express Entry system. This marks a significant step in Canada's ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers and strengthen its labor market.

Key Updates from Recent Express Entry Draws

Canadian Experience Class Draw

• Date: January 8, 2025
• Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 1,350
• Minimum CRS Score: 542

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draw

• Date: January 7, 2025
• Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 471
• Minimum CRS Score: 793

The latest CEC draw comes on the heels of the year’s first PNP draw, reflecting a consistent focus on supporting provincial economic priorities and skilled professionals already in Canada.

Express Entry Trends and Allocation Strategy

IRCC has adjusted its approach to align with Canada’s labor market needs and demographic goals. Here are notable trends:

• December 2024: Fewer ITAs issued (2,561) and fewer draws held compared to the more active months of October and November.
• 2025 Immigration Priorities: The updated Immigration Levels Plan emphasizes candidates already residing in Canada and those meeting specific labor market needs, such as healthcare and trades occupations.

Key Allocation Categories for 2025:

1. In-Canada Focus: Prioritizing Canadian Experience Class and PNP candidates.
2. Federal Economic Priorities: Category-based selections for candidates addressing labor shortages and demographic goals.

2025 Category-Based Selection Priorities

For 2025, IRCC has highlighted three priority categories for Express Entry:

• Healthcare Occupations
• Trades Occupations
• French-Language Proficiency

While these categories are prioritized, all six original Express Entry categories remain active.

Understanding the Express Entry System

What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a management system for economic immigration, introduced a decade ago, which oversees three key programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Additionally, candidates in enhanced PNP streams can receive provincial nominations through Express Entry.

How Does It Work?

1. Profile Creation: Candidates submit their profiles and are scored based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
2. Selection: High-ranking candidates receive ITAs during draws.
3. Application Submission: Selected candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
4. Landing: Approved applicants receive PR status and complete the process either virtually or in-person.

Immigration Goals for 2025

Under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC aims to welcome 124,590 new immigrants through Express Entry this year, making it the largest pathway for economic immigration to Canada.

Permanent residents can live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely, contributing to the country’s economic growth and cultural diversity.

This structured and targeted approach underscores Canada’s commitment to addressing labor market demands while fostering an inclusive immigration system.